Saturday, August 2, 2014

The Clockwork Scarab and Half Bad: Book Reviews

Victorian England is experiencing some strange coincidences. Two young women from society have disappeared and one has turned up dead in the museum. In turn, two other young women from famous lineage are asked to help solve this murder and the disappearance of the other in the name of the crown, and this is how Mina Holmes and Evaline Stoker meet each other. Mina is methodical and perspicacious like her uncle Sherlock. She also loves the new gadgetry being invented, such as a steam gun and other mechanical devices. Evaline, on the other hand jumps right into the situation. She possesses athletic abilities beyond mere humanity and recognizes her abilities to discern the whereabouts of the undead are a part of her, which her broth Bram writes about. In another coincidence of pairs, two young men hiding their true identity are slowly becoming a part of the mystery as well. Who is the killer? Egyptology and secret societies are only part of the screen veiling the truth.

Colleen Gleason writes an intriguing novel that is the perfect blend of historical fiction and steampunk that will hook readers into this series. You can't help but love the main characters and how their entire personality works so well with their famous families. YA steampunk is hard to find, and this is definitely one to purchase! 2013 Chronicle Books

In the world of White and Black Witches, Nathan doesn't quite fit into either. His mother, a white witch, was known for her kindness and her amazing healing powers. His father, a black witch, was known to cut out of the hearts of white witches and steal their powers. Nathan tries his hardest to be what others want him to, but can't seem to get a break. With orders coming down from the Council, his life is closely monitored. His grandmother loves him beyond doubt and tries to shield him, while his birth sister blames him for the death of their mother and wants to kill him. It doesn't get easier either. Picked on at school for his small stature and inability to read and write, Nathan's life becomes painful socially and physically. The older Nathan becomes, the more curious his life becomes. He now cannot stand to be indoors or he becomes deathly ill, a trait of a black witch. Now, locked up in a cage, he must find a way to have a family member bestow his two gifts onto him, or his life will end. His only hope is to find Mercury, another black witch, who could harm him or help him, but is her help only another painful disguise?

Green creates a dark and ugly side of magic that weaves itself together with the dark and ugly side of bullying, prejudice, and conformity to society. Although I found it slow to start, the story line picked up and quickly wound itself around me to keep me turning the pages to find out what would ultimately happen to Nathan. Viking, 2014